Kirwan staying Blues SuperRugby coach until 2015

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan and his assistant coach Grant Doorey have re-signed with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Former Italy and Japan coach Kirwan as well as Doorey were first appointed to the Blues last year and have both re-committed to lead the Blues' 2015 Super Rugby campaign.

Kirwan has a long history of coaching with the Blues as he was an assistant coach in 2001 and played for Auckland between 1984 and 1994.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Kirwan and Doorey had demonstrated a real passion for their work and the team.

"This is great news for the Blues and for New Zealand Rugby," said Sorensen.

"We are very fortunate in rugby to have legends like JK who are still involved in the game and making massive contributions through coaching. It's a great mark of the game that we have these amazing former players still giving to the game through their coaching, administration or volunteering. "

"JK is a straight shooter and a 'true blues' man who does not leave anyone wondering what he's thinking. We're looking forward to seeing what he does with the Blues in 2014 and 2015."

Blues Chairman Tony Carter welcomed the re-signings as great news for the Blues team and their fans.

"The Blues board were unanimous in their view to offer contract extensions to both JK and Grant. We have seen enough during their tenure so far to believe they are integral to turning the Blues into one of Super Rugby's powerhouses."

Sir John Kirwan said: "We're trying to build something here and having the support of the board and CEO Michael Redman is fantastic.

"I've loved every day of this job - it's a team and region that I'm incredibly passionate about so I'm really happy to get another season to keep building on the work we've been doing."

Grant Doorey said: "It's nice to have the franchise think you're doing a good job in driving the team in the right direction to make a commitment to you.

"We're really motivated to make the Blues successful and the fact they've given us the time it may take is very important. We'd love success straight away but success is a process and it may take a little bit of time to achieve that."

Both men have been contracted to the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season.

With the lead coaching duo now confirmed the Blues will look to firm up their technical roles in the coming months.